Day One Round Up At Watches and Wonders 2022

It has been several years since we've been able to attend a physical watch fair and meet up with some of the most prestigious brands within the luxury world of horology. And throughout these years, we've seen some big changes in the landscape of the watch fairs - endings and farewells, merging of big names and even a successful digital platform launched last year from the team at Watches and Wonders, first launched in 2020. Watches and Wonders returns this year and we've had the pleasure of being able to attend in person, meeting and greeting with some of our beloved brands, and catching up in real time over a cup of coffee and a chat on what the world of watches has to offer. Join us in the conversation over the next couple of days as we document our attendance across Calibre, social media and our daily round ups highlighting new pieces from the brands, our buyer's reactions and key interviews with the most recognized names in horology.

Patek Philippe delighted us with an array of new launches at Watches and Wonders, each as covetable as the next – prepare to fall in love! They have introduced twelve models to the world, including the stunning new Ref. 5326G-001 Annual Calendar Travel Time, a piece perfect for any Patek Philippe enthusiast combining two of Patek Philippe’s most iconic complications – the Annual Calendar and the Travel Time system. The brand has also introduced several different color schemes to us, including a Chronograph Ref. 5172G with a salmon dial - one of the key colorways of the fair it seems, and their Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Ref. 527OP in a beautiful emerald green hue. One of our personal highlights is the new Ref. 5226G-001 Calatrava with its charcoal gray vintage dial reminiscent of old photo dials.

Cartier’s horological creations have always been capable of evolving and establishing themselves across time periods, consistently being translated into the most recent interpretations of iconic designs. This year, we saw new models added to the Tank, Pasha de Cartier, Santos Dumont, Panthère de Cartier collections and more. The Pasha de Cartier watch, overlaid with a geometric grille, returns to an embodiment of extravagant elegance. Meanwhile, the Tank de Cartier watch reveals itself in playing with intense colours that enhance its visual codes - red, the Maison’s signature colour, and anthracite grey, a shade borrowed from the Cartier watchmaking palette. As a tribute to the historical model, the Santos-Dumont collection adds three new versions to its repertoire of elegance. Three lacquer watches that elevate the style and spirit so dear to the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.

TAG Heuer did not disappoint when it came to their sports-inspired timepieces. For those with a penchant for speed and a love for motorsports - and brightly coloured watches - we have the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche model, a limited-edition timepiece that is both powerful in function as it is in style. We also saw their new Formula 1 watch that is inspired by Red Bull Racing’s dynamic team colours. Adding to its ever-growing line of Aquaracers, we see the new Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver added, as well as the Aquaracer Professional 300 Orange Diver with, you’ve guessed it, a striking orange dial. Two key pieces we pulled out as favourites from day one were the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Diamant D’Avante Garde and also the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Sonograph– two timepieces that put TAG Heuer firmly on our wish list.

Hublot have added several new pieces to its range of Big Bang Integral Ceramic range - inspired by the elements water, earth and wood. Hublot have continually pushed the boundaries of ceramic, increasing hardness and resistance to scratches while retaining lightness through - something that takes some real skill to master. We can't choose between the indigo blue colour scheme inspired from the Majorelle Garden and the streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco, and the Blue City of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. A sky blue from the South Seas. A sand beige from the deserts, and from the beaches of the Caribbean. And a jungle green from the tropical forests. So we won't choose, we've added them all to our wish list! Other notable releases by Hublot are the Hublot Square Bang Unico, a timepiece that boasts a square shaped case and a first for the watchmaker. The all-black version is a particularly fantastic choice. Their new Big Bang Tourbillon Purple Sapphire is also a marvel - Hublot unveils an exclusive version of sapphire, a world first, and a completely new colour in the field of fine watchmaking: translucent purple.

For their new releases, Tudor has channelled their inner adventurer with their new Black Bay Pro, a steel timepiece with a black and yellow colour scheme, a new version added to the family. Their signature 'snowflake' hands can be seen on the model, and this piece can be found on a steel bracelet, a hybrid leather and rubber strap or a black fabric strap with a yellow band. A personal highlight for us, however, from Tudor is the new Black Bay GMT S&G. A stainless steel timepiece with a gold bezel, featuring two tones ensures for a classic piece, and this model is the perfect choice for those looking for their next Tudor. In choices of a steel and yellow gold bracelet with polished and satin finish, a fabric strap or a leather strap, you can wear this watch in many ways. For women, Tudor have released a new Tudor Royal with an integrated metal bracelet, notched or diamond-set bezel and automatic movement, it is the epitome of versatile and affordable sport-chic.

Stay tuned as we deliver more exciting new launches as we head into day two of Watches and Wonders 2022.